Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has stirred a heated debate after launching a scathing attack on Catholic bishops who criticized President William Ruto’s administration for fostering a “culture of lies.” Baya, who also serves as the deputy majority leader in the National Assembly, accused the clergy of misleading Kenyans with their statements and failing in their spiritual duty to pray for the country and its leadership.
Speaking during a public event on Friday, Baya claimed that the bishops’ criticism of the government was not only unfounded but also detrimental to national unity and stability. “If the President fails, it is Kenya that will have failed. If you pray for the President to fail, it is Kenya that will go down,” Baya stated. He emphasized that the country’s stability is essential for the clergy to effectively preach the gospel and serve their congregations.
Baya’s Accusations Against the Clergy
In his fiery remarks, Baya accused the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) of spreading “lies” and inciting division. “What Catholic bishops are doing is unfair before God and man. To peddle lies and information that is incorrect and to actually ask God to curse this country is a betrayal of their faith and mission,” he said.
Baya further alleged that ethnic bias might be influencing the bishops’ critique of President Ruto’s government. He claimed that some members of the clergy were using their positions to mislead their peers and their followers, ostensibly because their communities felt marginalized. “If you have a problem with William Ruto as a president because you think your tribe is now not with him… I want to tell you, you will not see heaven,” Baya warned.
Bishops’ Critique of the Government
The Catholic bishops, however, have stood by their criticisms of the government. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, the KCCB accused the Ruto administration of failing to deliver on its promises and fostering a culture of lies and impunity.
The bishops, led by Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia, expressed concern over increasing cases of human rights violations, including abductions, torture, disappearances, and extra-judicial killings. They highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women, which they linked to state failure to address public security.
The clergy also raised issues regarding the deteriorating state of healthcare in the country, particularly the government’s failure to clear outstanding National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) dues to faith-based health facilities. “This has severely impacted vulnerable communities that rely on these institutions for medical care,” the bishops noted.
Government’s Response to Clerical Criticism
In response to the bishops’ allegations, the government has dismissed their concerns as unfounded and politically motivated. Several state institutions, along with President Ruto himself, countered that the clergy’s claims lacked factual basis. The government argued that it is committed to delivering on its promises and improving the lives of Kenyans, despite current challenges.
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
Baya’s remarks have elicited mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters of the government have echoed his sentiments, accusing the clergy of overstepping their spiritual mandate and engaging in partisan politics. On the other hand, critics have condemned Baya’s attack on the bishops, arguing that it undermines freedom of expression and the right to hold the government accountable.
Observers note that this standoff highlights the increasingly fraught relationship between the Church and the state in Kenya. Traditionally seen as a moral compass and advocate for social justice, the Church has often been at odds with successive governments over issues of governance and human rights.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
Amid the escalating tensions, many Kenyans are calling for calm and constructive dialogue between the government and religious leaders. They argue that both sides share a common goal of promoting peace, justice, and the well-being of the nation.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on how the government will address the bishops’ concerns, particularly those related to human rights and healthcare, which resonate deeply with many Kenyans. Whether this episode will lead to meaningful engagement or further polarization remains to be seen.
